Pumping and nursing bra

ABSTRACT

A pumping and nursing bra includes two shoulder straps and two cup portions. Each cup portion includes a detachable outer layer connected at a top portion to an associated shoulder strap. Each cup portion also includes an inner layer adapted to be directly positioned over a breast of a wearer of the bra and attached at a top portion to the associated shoulder strap. Each cup portion further includes a detachable middle layer connected at top portions to the inner layer. The pumping and nursing bra also includes an inelastic hem interconnecting bottom portions of the detachable outer layer, the inner layer, and the detachable middle layer of each cup portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure herein resides generally in the art of brassieres, and more particularly, to a brassiere that contains three layers that provide the wearer with a fashionable undergarment that affords the wearer with the ability to use a breast pump or to breast feed an infant without removing the brassiere.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Breast milk offers several advantages over manufactured formula as a food source for infants. It is well known that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that women breastfeed their infants for at least one year. During this time, it is advantageous for the breastfeeding woman to have garments that facilitate breastfeeding, and breast pumping when a woman cannot nurse her infant. While many women are able to nurse their infants directly from their breast, there are many reasons a woman may need or choose to pump milk for her child.

Many women like to pump their milk to give to their infant if regular breastfeeding is uncomfortable or if the woman is unable to directly nurse her baby. For many reasons, many mothers use a breast pump. Breast pump systems for breast milk expression are well known. They use either electric or mechanical means for creating a vacuum to aid in breast milk expression. Both types conventionally have funnel portions that are held against a woman's breast to both introduce the vacuum to the nipples and to catch the expressed breast milk. The vacuum draws breast milk from a nipple through the funnel portion to a breast milk container for subsequent use.

Several brassieres and other garments have been developed that hold the funnel to the breast so that the mother does not need to hold the funnels while pumping (see U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,094,217, and 8,307,463). However, many of these garments do not effectively hold the pump funnels in place, are uncomfortable, or are impractical for daily wear. Not only are these garments both uncomfortable and impractical, they also do not allow the woman to be able to wear a bra that also mimics and exudes the same style and visual benefits that a normal brassiere would provide for them. There is currently no garment that comfortably allows the wearer both to pump hands-free, and nurse her infant through the use of several detachable layers that cover the breast area in a fashionable way.

Therefore, a need exists for a garment that can allow for a woman to accrue the style and visual benefits that a normal brassiere provides, while at the same time also allows for hands-free pumping and allows the woman to breastfeed, all while providing comfort and discretion and with the woman not having to completely take off the brassiere when pumping and or breastfeeding.

SUMMARY

The needs apparent from the deficiencies of the prior art as noted above are satisfied by various embodiments of the disclosure presented directly below and as will become apparent in detail with reference to the drawings and detailed description.

In a first embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra comprising: two shoulder straps; two cup portions, each cup portion comprising: a detachable outer layer connected at a top portion thereof to an associated shoulder strap; an inner layer adapted to be directly positioned over a breast of a wearer of the bra and attached at a top portion thereof to said associated shoulder strap; and a detachable middle layer connected at to portions thereof to the inner layer; and an inelastic hem interconnecting bottom portions of said detachable outer layer, inner layer, and said detachable middle layer of each said cup system.

In a second embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in the first embodiment, wherein the detachable outer layers are made from the material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

In a third embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in either the first or second embodiment, wherein the inner layers are made from the material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

In a fourth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through third embodiments, wherein the detachable middle layers are made from the material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

In a fifth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through fourth embodiments, wherein each said inner layer contains a large aperture exposing a majority of an associated breast of the wearer when the detachable outer layer and detachable middle layer are detached.

In a sixth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through fifth embodiments, wherein each said inner layer contains a large opening granting access to a majority of an associated breast of the wearer when the detachable outer layer and detachable middle layer are detached.

In a seventh embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through sixth embodiments, wherein each said detachable middle layer contains a small aperture over an associated nipple of the wearer, said small aperture being capable of receiving a funnel portion of a breast pump when the detachable outer layer is detached.

In an eighth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through seventh embodiments, wherein the two shoulder straps are adjustable in length.

In a ninth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through eighth embodiments, wherein the two shoulder straps each contain a detachable clasp.

In a tenth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through ninth embodiments, wherein each of the detachable outer layers contains a detachable clasp which connects to the detachable clasps of the shoulder straps when the detachable outer layers are attached.

In an eleventh embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through tenth embodiments, wherein each inner layer contains a detachable clasp.

In a twelfth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through eleventh embodiments, further comprising each of the middle layers contains a detachable clasp which connects to the detachable clasps of the inner layers when the middle layers are attached.

In a thirteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through twelfth embodiments, wherein further comprising an underwire and wherein bottom portions of said detachable outer layer, the inner layer and the detachable middle layer are connected to the underwire.

In a fourteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through thirteenth embodiments, wherein further comprising at least two side/back portions connected to the inelastic hem and wherein the at least two side/back portions are adapted to attach at the backside of the wearer so as to secure the bra to the wearer.

In a fifteenth embodiment, the present invention provides a pumping and nursing bra as in any of the first through fourteenth embodiments, wherein the shoulder straps terminate and are connected to the at least two side/back portions.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a complete understanding of the various aspects of the disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of an open pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a back view of a closed pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a pumping and nursing bra with the outer layer being unclipped, detailing the middle layer and its relationship with the breast of a user of the pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side view of a pumping and nursing bra with the outer layer being unclipped, and a pumping device attached to the breast of a user of the pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a pumping and nursing bra with both the outer layer and middle layer being unclipped, detailing the inner layer and its relationship with the breast of a user of the pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a pumping and nursing bra with both the outer layer and middle layer being unclipped, with the breast exposed so that the user of the pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention could breastfeed; and

FIG. 7 is a front view of a pumping and nursing bra with the first layer being unclipped, detailing the second layer and its relationship with the breast of a user of the pumping and nursing bra of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 6, it can be seen that a pumping and nursing bra, made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 10. FIG. 1 illustrates the front of an embodiment of the pumping and nursing bra 10 of the present invention. Bra 10 has two cup portions 11, two shoulder straps 12 that carry adjusters 13 which allow the wearer of bra 10 to adjust the length of shoulder straps 12. Each cup portion 11 comprises an outer layer 14, a middle layer 15, and an inner layer 16. Each outer layer 14 of each cup portion 11 is connected to a shoulders strap 12. In one embodiment each outer layer 14 is a double-layered fabric to enhance the opaqueness of the garment. Each outer layer 14 may be attached to underwire 17 of bra 10 although the use of such an underwire is not required. As will be discussed in more detail, each of the three layers of each cup portion 11, specifically inner layer 16, middle layer 15, and outer layer 14, comprise bra 10 of an embodiment of the present invention and allow the wearer to not only wear bra 10 as a fashionable undergarment, but also to comfortably pump milk and/or nurse an infant while wearing the same garment.

Each outer layer 14 is connected to a shoulder strap 12 with a clasp 18, 19 or other fastening means that are easily detachable by the wearer. In one embodiment, hook piece 18 is connected to outer layer 14 and eye piece 19 is attached to shoulder strap 12. Other fastening means that are easily detachable may be used and do not depart from the scope of the invention. Each fastening means 18 and 19 can be open and closed independently, so that either one breast or both may be exposed at a time. When fastening means 18 and 19 are detached, outer layer 14 can then be folded down so as to expose each middle layer 15 of each cup portion 11, as shown in FIG. 3. In one embodiment, each outer layer 14 is made from material such as cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

Underwire 17 also attaches to an inelastic or substantially inelastic hem 20, which as shown in FIG. 1, runs underneath underwire 17. Inelastic or substantially inelastic hem 20 is stitched to side/back piece 21 of bra 10 and provides bra 10 with a finished edge so as to make bra 10 more fashionable. When bra 10 is worn, side/back piece 21 will rest against the sides and back of the user. In one embodiment, side/back piece 21 of bra 10 is made from any fabric having the appropriate compression and/or elasticity, such as, and without limitation, Lycra®, Spandex®, Nylon®, micro denier, polyester, cotton or the like, including various blends thereof.

The side/back pieces 21 connect by means of a clasp 22, 23 or other fastening means that are easily detachable by the wearer. In one embodiment, multiple hook pieces 22 are present in sets of two on one side of bra 10, and a single set of eye pieces 23 are present on the other side of bra 10. The multiple hook pieces 22 allow for the wearer of bra 10 to adjust the overall size of bra 10 as needed. FIG. 2 shows clasp 22, 23 connected together to close the bra, whereas FIG. 1 shows clasp 22, 23 open.

As stated above, FIG. 2 shows the back of bra 10 and clasp 22, 23 connected together to close the bra. FIG. 2 also shows a portion of each outer layer 14 and a portion of each inner layer 16 which is visible from the back side of bra 10 and which will be discussed later in further detail. As shown in FIG. 2, each inner layer 16 is smaller than each outer layer 14, and although not shown in FIG. 2, each middle layer 15 is smaller than each inner layer 16.

FIG. 3 illustrates each outer layer 14 being unclipped from clasp 18 and 19 and being folded down so as to display each middle layer 15 of bra 10. When each outer layer 14 is unclipped it is said to be detached from bra 10. The term detached in this regards means only that each outer layer 14 has been unclipped and folded down, it is not meant to be understood that all of each outer layer 14 is removed from bra 10 when the term detached is used in this context. Each middle layer 15 is connected to each inner layer 16 of each cup portion 11 of bra 10 and, similar to each outer layer 14, each middle layer 15 is also attached to underwire 17 of bra 10. In one embodiment, middle layer 15 is made from material such as cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

Each middle layer 15 is connected to each inner layer 16 with a clasp 24, 25 or other fastening means that are easily detachable by the wearer. In one embodiment, hook piece 24 is connected to each middle layer 14 and eye piece 25 is attached to each inner layer 16. Other fastening means that are easily detachable may be used and do not depart from the scope of the invention. Each fastening means 24, 25 can be open and closed independently, so that either one breast or both may be exposed at a time. When fastening means 24 and 25 are detached, each middle layer 15 can then be folded down so as to expose each inner layer 16 of each cup portion 11 of bra 10, as shown in FIG. 5.

In one embodiment, each middle layer 15 covers a breast and also includes a small aperture 26 which rests over and around each nipple 51 of the wearer. By use of the term aperture, it is meant to define a hole in middle layer 15 that is surrounded on all sides by the material that makes each middle layer 15. In some embodiments the aperture 26 can be in the shape of a keyhole, such a keyhole shape is shown in FIG. 3. In other embodiments, the aperture 26 is circular in shape, such as shown in FIG. 5. FIG. 4 illustrates bra 10 on a woman who is using a breast pump. Bra 10 sits on chest 50 of the woman and an aperture 26 rests over and around a nipple 51 of the woman. Apertures 26 are capable of receiving the funnel shaped portion of breast pump 102, and holding it to the breast of the wearer during the pumping process. Apertures 26 of this embodiment are advantageous; as their shape and size are minimal enough to secure the funnels of pump 102 to the breast such that the wearer can pump without the assistance of her hands to hold them in place. Other shapes and sizes of apertures 26 are contemplated and do not depart from the scope of the invention as long as they facilitate hands-free pumping for the wearer.

FIG. 5 illustrates each middle layer 15 being unclipped from clasp 24, 25 and being folded down so as to display each inner layer 16 of bra 10. When each middle layer 15 is unclipped it is said to be detached from bra 10. The term detached in this regards means only that each middle layer 15 has been unclipped and folded down, it is not meant to be understood that all of each of the middle layers 15 are removed from bra 10 when the term detached is used in this context. Each inner layer 16 is connected directly to a shoulder strap 12 and similar to both the outer layers 14 and the middle layers 15; each inner layer 16 is also attached to underwire 17 of bra 10. In one embodiment, each inner layer 16 is made from material such as cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, each inner layer 16 is attached to a shoulder strap 12 with material from inner layer 16 being wound through an opening in clasp 19, and then the material is stitched to itself to provide a secure connection between each inner layer 16 and a shoulder strap 12.

In one embodiment, each inner layer 16 covers the top portion of the breasts and also includes a large aperture 27 which rests over and around the area surrounding the areola of the wearer. By use of the term aperture, it is meant to define a hole in each inner layer 16 that is surrounded on all sides by the material that makes each inner layer 16. Large apertures 27 are capable of exposing a majority of the breast so that the wearer of bra 10 can easily breastfeed her child. Large apertures 27 of the this embodiment are advantageous; as their shape and size are large enough to expose enough of the breast to make breastfeeding easy for both mother and child, while at the same time not exposing more of the breast than is necessary. FIG. 6 illustrates bra 10 on a woman preparing to breastfeed. Bra 10 sits on chest 50 of the woman and an aperture 27 rests over and around the area surrounding the areola of the wearer, including nipple 51 of the woman.

The shoulder straps 12, along with the underwire 17, and the material which makes up the outer layers 14, the middle layers 15, and the inner layers 16, combine to provide the support necessary for the breasts of a wearer when a wearer is wearing bra 10, without the need for an elastic band or similar structure running along the bottom of bra 10 to support the breasts.

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 7, it can be seen that a pumping and nursing bra, made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is designated generally by the numeral 100. Three layers, outer layers 114, middle layers 115, and inner layers 116, comprise bra 100 and allow the wearer to comfortably pump milk and/or nurse an infant while wearing the same fashionable garment. Bra 100 has two cup portions 111, two shoulder straps 112 that carry adjusters 113 which allow the wearer of bra 100 to adjust the length of shoulder straps 112. Each outer layer 114 is connected to a shoulders strap 112 of bra 100. In one embodiment each outer layer 114 is a double-layered fabric to enhance the opaqueness of the garment. Each outer layer 114 is attached to underwire 117 of bra 100.

Similarly to outer layer 14 of bra 10, outer layer 114 of bra 100 is connected to a shoulder strap 112 with a clasp 118 and 119 or other fastening means that are easily detachable by the wearer. In one embodiment, hook piece 118 is connected to an outer layer 114 and eye piece 119 is attached to a shoulder strap 112. Other fastening means that are easily detachable may be used and do not depart from the scope of the invention. Each fastening means 118 and 119 can be open and closed independently, so that either one breast or both may be exposed at a time. When fastening means 118 and 119 are detached (as shown in FIG. 7), each outer layer 114 can then be folded down so as to expose each inner layer 116 of bra 100. In one embodiment, each outer layer 114 is made from material such as cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

Underwire 117 also attaches to an inelastic or substantially inelastic hem 120, which as shown in FIG. 7, runs underneath underwire 117. Inelastic or substantially inelastic hem 120 is stitched to side/back piece 121 of bra 100 and provides bra 100 with a finished edge so as to make bra 100 more fashionable. When bra 100 is worn, side/back piece 121 will rest against the sides and back of the user. In one embodiment, side/back piece 121 of bra 100 is made from any fabric having the appropriate compression and/or elasticity, such as, and without limitation, Lycra®, Spandex®, Nylon®, micro denier, polyester, cotton or the like, including various blends thereof.

The side/back pieces 121 connect by means of a clasp 122, 123 or other fastening means that are easily detachable by the wearer. In one embodiment, multiple hook pieces 122 are present in sets of two on one side of bra 100, and a single set of eye pieces 123 are present on the other side of bra 100. The multiple hook pieces 122 allow for the wearer of bra 100 to adjust the overall size of bra 100 as needed. Clasps 122 and 123 close in a similar manner of clasp 22 and 23 as shown in FIG. 2.

Similarly to middle layer 15 of bra 10, each middle layer 115 of bra 100 is connected to an inner layer 116 with a clasp 124, 125 or other fastening means that are easily detachable by the wearer. In one embodiment, hook piece 124 is connected to a middle layer 114 and eye piece 125 is attached to an inner layer 116. Other fastening means that are easily detachable may be used and do not depart from the scope of the invention. Each fastening means 124, 125 can be open and closed independently, so that either one breast or both may be exposed at a time. When fastening means 124 and 125 are detached, each middle layer 115 can then be folded down so as to expose each inner layer 116 of bra 100, as shown in FIG. 7. Each middle layer 115 is connected to an inner layer 116 of bra 100 and, similar to each outer layer 114, each middle layer 115 is also attached to underwire 117 of bra 10. In one embodiment, each middle layer 115 is made from material such as cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, each middle layer 115 covers a breast and also includes a small aperture 126 which rests over and around a nipple 51 of the wearer. By use of the term aperture, it is meant to define a hole in middle layer 115 that is surrounded on all sides by the material that makes each middle layer 115. When a wearer is using a breast pump, bra 100 sits on chest 50 of the woman and aperture 126 rests over and around a nipple 51 of the woman. Apertures 126 are capable of receiving the funnel shaped portion of breast pump 102, and holding it to the breast of the wearer during the pumping process. Apertures 126 of this embodiment are advantageous; as their shape and size are minimal enough to secure the funnels of pump 102 to the breast such that the wearer can pump without the assistance of her hands to hold them in place. Other shapes and sizes of apertures 126 are contemplated and do not depart from the scope of the invention as long as they facilitate hands-free pumping for the wearer.

FIG. 7 shows both outer layers 114 and middle layers 115 being folded down so as to expose each inner layer 116. Each inner layer 116 is connected directly to a shoulder strap 112 and similar to each outer layer 114; each inner layer 116 is also attached to underwire 117 of bra 100. In one embodiment, each inner layer 116 is made from material such as cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, each inner layer 116 is attached to a shoulder strap 112 with material from each inner layer 116 being wound through an opening in clasp 119, and then the material is stitched to itself to provide a secure connection between each inner layer 116 and a shoulder strap 112.

In one embodiment, each inner layer 116 runs along the outer side of a breast while also supporting the bottom portion of a breast. With this alignment, each inner layer 116 of bra 100 leaves exposed a large portion of the breast with large opening 127. By use of the term opening, it is meant to define an area in each inner layer 116 that is not surrounded on all sides by the material that makes each inner layer 116 and which grants access to a majority of the breast of the wearer. Large openings 127 are capable of exposing a majority of the breast so that the wearer of bra 100 can easily breastfeed their child. Large openings 127 of this embodiment are advantageous; as their shape and size are large enough to expose enough of the breast to make breastfeeding easy for both mother and child. Because each inner layer 116 supports the bottom portion of the breasts, it acts similarly to a sling in holding the breast upright so that the wearer of bra 100 can easily and comfortably pump milk and/or nurse an infant while wearing bra 100.

The shoulder straps 112, along with the underwire 117, and the material which makes up each outer layer 114, each middle layer 115, and each inner layer 116, combine to provide the support necessary for the breasts of a wearer when a wearer is wearing bra 100, without the need for an elastic band or similar structure running along the bottom of bra 100 to support the breasts.

In light of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that the present invention significantly advances the art by providing a pumping and nursing bra that is structurally and functionally improved in a number of ways. While particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, it should be appreciated that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby inasmuch as variations on the invention herein will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art. The scope of the invention shall be appreciated from the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pumping and nursing bra comprising: a. two shoulder straps; b. two cup portions, each cup portion comprising i. a detachable outer layer connected at a top portion thereof to an associated shoulder strap; ii. an inner layer adapted to be directly positioned over a breast of a wearer of the bra and attached at a top portion thereof to said associated shoulder strap; iii. a detachable middle layer connected at top portions thereof to the inner layer; and c. an inelastic hem interconnecting bottom portions of said detachable outer layer, inner layer, and said detachable middle layer of each said cup portion.
 2. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein the detachable outer layers are made from the material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.
 3. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 2 wherein the inner layers are made from the material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.
 4. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 3 wherein the detachable middle layers are made from the material selected from the group consisting of cotton, nylon, rayon, polyester, or combinations thereof.
 5. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein each said inner layer contains a large aperture exposing a majority of an associated breast of the wearer when the detachable outer layer and detachable middle layer are detached.
 6. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein each said inner layer contains a large opening granting access to a majority of an associated breast of the wearer when the detachable outer layer and detachable middle layer are detached.
 7. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein each said detachable middle layer contains a small aperture over an associated nipple of the wearer, said small aperture being capable of receiving a funnel portion of a breast pump when the detachable outer layer is detached.
 8. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein the two shoulder straps are adjustable in length.
 9. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein the two shoulder straps each contain a detachable clasp.
 10. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 9 wherein each of the detachable outer layers contains a detachable clasp which connects to the detachable clasps of the shoulder straps when the detachable outer layers are attached.
 11. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 wherein each inner layer contains a detachable clasp.
 12. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 11 wherein each of the middle layers contains a detachable clasp which connects to the detachable clasps of the inner layers when the middle layers are attached.
 13. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 4 further comprising an underwire and wherein bottom portions of said detachable outer layer, the inner layer and the detachable middle layer are connected to the underwire.
 14. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 1 further comprising at least two side/back portions connected to the inelastic hem and wherein the at least two side/back portions are adapted to attach at the backside of the wearer so as to secure the bra to the wearer.
 15. The pumping and nursing bra of claim 14, wherein the shoulder straps terminate and are connected to the at least two side/back portions. 